New York Fashion Week Highlights

September 16, 2011

Victoria Beckham debuted her new mainline collection at New York Fashion Week. The 21-piece collection was created with lower prices allowing for a wider audience but without cutting back on the standard craftsmanship. Inspired by cartoon Emily the Strange, the new line is all about vibrant colours and prints that bring a smile to your face.

The clothes are also designed to fit anyone and as Victoria’s instructions are not too clingy.

Rodarte had one of the coolest front rows; Beyoncé, the Fanning sisters, Taylor Swift and blogger Tavi Gevinson. But these guests didn’t detract from the clothes. The Mulleavy sisters were heavily influenced by Vincent van Gogh and the Impressionist art era. Sunflowers, Japanese blossom prints and metallics reigned supreme.

Prabal Gurung’s designs have been all over the fashion blogs recently with a slew of style stars sporting his floral designs. At fashion week, Prabal took his floral designs to whole new level. There were sheer bits, geometric shapes and tailoring and sporty-based clothes like shorts and racer-back dresses. All the designs were complimented by eyewear by Linda Farrow and heels by Nicholas Kirkwood.

Michael Kors went Afri-luxe this season, taking his inspiration from Africa. He went full-force with animal prints, gladiator sandals, crocodile-print and some fabulous hand-dyeing techniques. Many of Kors signature styles have been updated to suit the safari-chic vibe he’s imagined; his dresses were hand-woved and fringed, the sweaters looked as if they’d suit a backpacking holiday and clothes were accessorized with utilitarian belts and bags.